Krakow

Written by Chloe Davies, Ian Walker
06/09/2025
Daytime view of St. Mary's Basilica in Krakow's Main Market Square, under clear blue skies.
Mateusz Feliksik, Pexels

Krakow is a city steeped in history and vibrant culture, renowned for its remarkably preserved medieval Old Town and the majestic Wawel Royal Castle, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The destination seamlessly blends profound historical reflection with a lively contemporary atmosphere.

For socializing, the Main Market Square in the Old Town is a bustling hub filled with cafes, restaurants, and bars, ideal for engaging with fellow travelers. The Kazimierz district, Krakow's historic Jewish Quarter, offers a distinct, bohemian vibe with its array of trendy bars, clubs, and live music venues, making it a popular choice for nightlife and meeting other tourists.

Top 7 Things to do in Krakow

Krakow provides opportunities to delve into profound historical sites, immerse in local culture, and enjoy relaxed city explorations.

1. Explore Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral

Perched on Wawel Hill, this majestic complex served as the seat of Polish kings. Exploring the Royal Apartments, Crown Treasury, and the historic Wawel Cathedral offers a deep dive into Poland's royal past and architectural grandeur. For an additional experience, descend into the Dragon's Den, a legendary cave at the foot of the hill, where a statue of a fire-breathing dragon awaits. Allocate approximately 3-4 hours to fully appreciate the castle's various exhibitions and the cathedral. It is advisable to visit on a weekday morning to avoid larger crowds.

Cost: Entrance to the Wawel Cathedral is often separate. Tickets for individual exhibitions within the Royal Castle vary: for example, the State Rooms are approximately zł40, Royal Apartments around zł49, and the Crown Treasury about zł43. A comprehensive 'Wawel for Enthusiasts' ticket is available for approximately zł180. The Dragon's Den has a separate fee.

Transport: The Wawel Royal Castle complex is within comfortable walking distance from Krakow's Old Town.

2. Visit Rynek Underground Museum

Beneath the Main Market Square lies this fascinating museum, which showcases archaeological excavations from medieval Krakow. Through interactive displays, holograms, and authentic artifacts, visitors are transported back in time to understand the city's rich history, trade routes, and daily life centuries ago. It offers an engaging perspective on how European cities developed during the medieval period. The museum is information-dense, so a guided tour can enhance the experience.

Cost: A normal ticket costs zł40, a reduced ticket is zł35, and a family ticket is zł80. Free admission is available on Tuesdays, but tickets are limited and must be collected at the box office on the day of the visit. Guided tours incur an additional charge.

Transport: The museum is located directly beneath the Main Market Square, making it easily accessible on foot from anywhere in the Old Town.

3. Admire St. Mary's Basilica

Standing prominently in the Main Market Square, St. Mary's Basilica is a magnificent Gothic church renowned for its spectacular wooden altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss. The interior boasts vibrant polychromes and intricate stained-glass windows. Visitors can also witness the traditional Hejnał Mariacki, a bugle call played hourly from the taller tower, a tradition dating back centuries.

Cost: Tourist admission to the presbytery and main altar area is zł18 for a regular ticket and zł10 for a reduced ticket. Access to the Bugle Tower is seasonal and costs zł20 for a regular ticket and zł15 for a reduced ticket. Tickets are purchased at a dedicated visitor service point across from the tourist entrance.

Transport: Situated directly on the Main Market Square, the basilica is easily reachable on foot from all parts of the Old Town.

4. Wander through Kazimierz (Jewish Quarter)

Kazimierz, Krakow's historic Jewish Quarter, is a district rich in history and bohemian charm. Once a separate town, it now captivates visitors with its well-preserved synagogues, historical tenements, and a lively atmosphere created by numerous trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants. Exploring its cobblestone streets reveals a profound heritage, from Szeroka Street to the Old Synagogue. It is an excellent area to enjoy both traditional Polish and Jewish cuisine, with plenty of local eateries.

Cost: Exploring the district itself is free. Guided walking tours, often lasting about 2-3 hours, can be booked, with prices starting from approximately 550 PLN for a group of up to 10 people. Culinary tours, focusing on local food and drink, are also available.

Transport: Kazimierz is a pleasant 15-minute walk south from the Main Market Square. Alternatively, numerous tram lines (such as 8, 13, 52, and 18) serve the area, with stops like Stradom, Plac Wolnica, or Miodowa. A taxi from the Old Town typically costs around 12-17 PLN.

5. Journey to Wieliczka Salt Mine

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is an extraordinary underground world carved entirely from salt. The Tourist Route leads through breathtaking chapels, intricate sculptures, and vast chambers, offering a unique insight into centuries of salt mining. This experience is visually stunning and deeply historical, providing an unparalleled adventure below ground.

Cost: A standard ticket for the guided Tourist Route costs 134 PLN (approximately €31 as of May 2024), with reduced tickets at 112 PLN (around €26). Organised tours from Krakow, which typically include return transport and an English-speaking guide, cost around €50 to €97, depending on the operator and group size.

Transport: The mine is located approximately 16 kilometers southeast of Krakow. * **Self-serve:** Public bus line 304 departs from Krakow's Main Bus Station (MDA Bus Station, lower floor, Gate D10) every 20-30 minutes, costing 6 PLN (about €1.25) for a one-way ticket (ensure to buy a I+II zone ticket). The journey takes approximately 35 minutes to the 'Wieliczka Kopalnia Soli' stop, followed by a 5-minute walk to the mine. Trains from Krakow Main Station to Wieliczka also offer an affordable option. * **Tour:** Many tour companies offer comfortable, air-conditioned transport from central Krakow pick-up points or hotels, with the entire excursion typically lasting around 4-5 hours.

6. Reflect at Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

This former Nazi concentration and extermination camp stands as a profoundly important memorial and museum. A visit here offers a sobering and essential historical experience, allowing visitors to walk through the original barracks, see the remains of gas chambers, and crematoria. It is a place for solemn reflection and education on the atrocities of World War II and the Holocaust. A guided tour is strongly recommended to provide context and historical understanding.

Cost: Entry to the memorial is free, but booking in advance is essential, particularly during the high season (April-October), as a guide may be mandatory for entry during certain hours. Organised tours from Krakow, including comfortable return transportation and a professional guide, typically start from €53 to €69.

Transport: Auschwitz-Birkenau is located in Oświęcim, about 66-70 kilometers west of Krakow. * **Self-serve:** Public buses depart regularly from Krakow's MDA Bus Station (lower floor, Gate D10), costing around 20 PLN for a one-way ticket, with a journey time of 1.5-2 hours, dropping directly at the museum. Trains also run from Krakow Main Station to Oświęcim, taking about 1 hour 50 minutes, followed by a short bus ride or walk to the site. * **Tour:** Numerous tour operators provide comprehensive full-day excursions (approximately 7 hours total) from Krakow, including transport and a guide.

7. Explore Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory Museum

Housed within Oskar Schindler's original enamel factory, this museum provides an immersive exhibition detailing Krakow's experience under Nazi occupation from 1939 to 1945. It poignantly tells the story of Schindler's efforts to save over a thousand Jewish lives during the Holocaust. The museum uses multimedia and historical artifacts to create a powerful and moving narrative, bringing this critical period of history to life.

Cost: A normal ticket is zł40, a reduced ticket is zł35, and a family ticket is zł80. Admission is free on Mondays, though tickets are limited and available only at the box office on the day. Guided tours are available for an additional fee, typically starting around zł30 per person on top of the ticket price, or higher for private group tours. Booking tickets in advance is recommended.

Transport: The museum is situated in the Podgórze district, about a 30-minute walk from Kazimierz. * **Public Transport:** Regular 3-minute train services run from Kraków Główny station to Kraków Zabłocie, followed by a 5-minute walk. Alternatively, trams (lines 3, 20, 24, 50) from the Old Town take approximately 9 minutes to reach the Zabłocie or Plac Bohaterów Getta stops, requiring a further 9-minute walk. Public transport route planners are helpful for specific directions. * **Taxi:** A taxi provides a direct route to the museum entrance.

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